I walk alone

My shadow's the only one that walks beside me. Players aren't required to report today until 11 a.m. after last night's late finish. The clubhouse opens to the media at 9 a.m., the usual 3 1/2 hours before first pitch. The smart reporters wait until players start to show up. I got here at 8:50 a.m. My mother didn't raise any stupid children, but my judgment has been questioned on multiple occasions. The lineup hasn't been posted yet. The clubhouse is completely empty. So is the manager's office, though Dave Trembley is in the building. His door's open and the lights are on, so I know he's here. That made two of us. Anyway, Trembley will meet with reporters at 11:35 a.m. The Orioles aren't taking batting practice on the field because of today's early start, but they'll resume early hitting tomorrow afternoon. Kevin Millwood's still looking for his first win. Apparently, that impressive ERA comes a la carte. To be exact, Millwood has posted a 3.26 ERA in 47 innings. The league average for starting pitchers is 4.16. Millwood took a 4-1 loss in Seattle on April 21 after allowing four runs and six hits over eight innings, with three walks and four strikeouts. He hasn't surrendered more than four runs in any start this season. All he has to do today is out-pitch Felix Hernandez, and this homestand will be off to a rousing start. Much better than mine. 8:50 a.m.? What was I thinking?